Since the Netflix reality game show The Circle revolves around contestants controlling social media profiles in the hopes of gaining popularity and getting voted to the top of the rankings, the show requires the players to develop meaningful friendships that they can leverage into a better ranking.
In season 3 of The Circle, some of the contestants formed unexpected friendships driven by strategic gameplay, like Nick and Kai. Other players, like Nick and Sophia, became friends under false pretenses due to catfishing and manipulation. And others, such as Kai and Calvin, formed genuine bonds that could continue outside of the show.
Nick And Kai
As the two most powerful players for most of the season and de facto leaders of rival alliances, Nick and Kai formed an unlikely, tentative partnership. Even when given the chance, Nick refused to eliminate Kai because of their relationship, and the pair both ended up in the finals.
Nick and Kai are fairly different people but their mutual respect for one another's gameplay led them to work together. While they may not have had the best friendship in The Circle, their unconventional was approach undeniably successful.
Kai And Ruksana
For much of the season, Kai and Ruksana had a close friendship that made them one of the most powerful alliances in the show. The two confident and authentic women bonded and quickly became inseparable.
However, Ruksana's close proximity to Kai turned out to be a poor strategic move in The Circle as it made her an easy target and eventually led to her elimination. The two were a force to be reckoned with and could have won the competition if Nick had not been able to unilaterally eliminate Ruksana.
Ava And Chanel
As sisters playing as the same profile, Ava and Chanel entered the competition with the advantage of a preexisting relationship. Chanel was supposed to help guide Ava and help her make smart choices on the show.
While their gameplay was flawed, even after they benefited from the great Circle twist involving the cloned profile, the dynamic between the two sisters was a fun addition to the season. Because so much of the show involves contestants talking to themselves in isolation, Ava and Chanel were able to stand out as they played together from the same apartment.
Nick And Rachel
Although Nick and Rachel had a solid friendship while the latter was in the game and playing as Jackson, their relationship completely changed once Rachel was eliminated and came over to Nick's apartment to reveal her true self.
Nick was clearly attracted to Rachel and remarked that she should have played the game as herself. During the finale, Rachel itted that she had a crush on Nick. After the heartbreak that Nick experienced with Sophia, he was able to take solace in this relationship dynamic and hinted at being open to seeing her after the show.
Kai And Calvin
From the very beginning, there was a clear connection between Kai and Calvin. Through often flirty private messages, they ed and encouraged each other. But despite being one of the most likable players in The Circle, Calvin was eliminated because of his connection to Kai.
The friendship between Kai and Calvin was clear to everyone else in the competition, prompting Matthew to intentionally target him to weaken her position. At the finale, Calvin made it clear that he was open to dating Kai outside of the show.
Ruksana And Daniel
As the youngest contestant in the competition, Daniel frequently played up his youth and often positioned himself as the younger brother of the group. This made him an ideal friend and partner for Ruksana, who often acted as a mother figure.
The two had great chemistry and were able to complement each other well. Neither of them made it as far as they should have, but they were clearly able to and bond with one another during their time together.
James And Kai
Entering the show right before Calvin's surprise elimination, James was able to slide into the void left by Calvin and become a valuable member of Kai and Ruksana's alliance. Once Ruksana and Daniel were eliminated, the two became even closer and more dependent on each other.
The two connected on a deeper level and were able to find common ground in regard to their families and backgrounds. With many of Kai's friends being sent home, James proved to be a valuable er and loyal friend.
Nick And Sophia
When Sophia made the decision to play using her sister Isabella's pictures, she hoped to combine her brains with her sister's looks and acknowledged that she was willing to flirt as much as necessary. Her plan worked to perfection and Nick quickly developed feelings for her, leading to a strong bond between the two.
Although Nick was ultimately disappointed to discover the truth, it did not negate all of the meaningful conversations that he and Sophia had throughout the season. Even though most of it took place under false pretenses, Nick and Sophia had a fun, encouraging, and often flirty friendship.